Dying Person bill of rights PDF

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Dying Person bill of rights...

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DYING PERSON’S BILL OF RIGHTS •

I have the right to be treated as a living human being until I die

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Help for me and for my family accepting my death

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To die in peace in dignity

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Retain my individuality and not be judged for my decisions

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Discuss and enlarge my religious or spiritual experiences

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The sanctity of human body will be respected after death

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Cared for by caring, sensitive, knowledgeable people

CULTURAL VIEWS OF END-OF-LIFE ISSUES Hispanic and Latino groups 1. The family generally makes decisions and may request to withhold the diagnosis or prognosis from the client. 2. Extended-family members often are involved in end-of-life care (pregnant women may be prohibited from caring for the dying or attending funerals) 3. Several family members may be at the dying client's bedside. 4. Vocal expression of grief and mourning are acceptable and expected. 5. Members refuse procedures that alter the body, such as organ donation or autopsy. 6. Dying at home may be considered bad luck. African Americans 1. Members discuss issues with the spouse or older family member (elders are held in high respect). 2. Family is highly valued and is central to the care of the terminally ill. 3. Open displays of emotion are common and accepted. 4. Organ and blood donation usually are not allowed. 5. Members prefer to die at home. Chinese Americans 1. Family members may make decisions about care and often do not tell the client the diagnosis or prognosis. 2. Dying at home may be considered bad luck. 3. Organ donation is usually not allowed. Native Americans 1. Family meetings may be held to make decisions about end-of-life and the type of treatments that should be pursued. 2. Some tribes avoid contact with the dying (may prefer to die in the hospital).

Religion and End-of-Life Care

CHRISTIANITY Catholic and Orthodox religions A priest anoints the sick. Other sacraments before death include reconciliation and holy communion. PROTESTANT No last rites (anointing of the sick is accepted by some groups). Prayers are given to offer comfort and support. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS (MORMONS) May administer a sacrament if the client requests. JEHOVAH'S WITNESS Do not believe in sacraments. Will be excommunicated if they receive a blood transfusion. ISLAM Second-degree male relatives such as cousins or uncles should be the contact person and determine whether the client and/or family should be given information about the client. Stopping medical treatment is against the will of Allah (Arabic word for God). Grief may be expressed through slapping or hitting the body. If possible, only a same-gender Muslim should handle the body after death; if not possible, non-Muslims should wear gloves so as not to touch the body. JUDAISM Prolongation of life is important (a client on life support must remain so until death). A dying person should not be left alone (a rabbi's presence is desired). Autopsy and cremation are forbidden. HINDUISM Rituals include tying a thread around the neck or wrist of the dying person, sprinkling the person with special water and placing a leaf of basil on their tongue. After death, the sacred threads are not removed, and the body is not washed. BUDDHISM A shrine to Buddha may be placed in the client's room. Time for meditation at the shrine is important and should be respected. Clients may refuse medications that may alter their awareness (such as opioids). After death, a monk may recite prayers for 1hour (need not be done in the presence of the body)...